Expecting (human) baby

[lrose]

I was wondering if anybody had advice on how to introduce a baby to my birds? Baby will be born in Sept . I have a sun conure (female 3.5 years old) and an African Grey (male almost 3 years old). I'm really nervous about how everybirdy will react to the baby, and how the dynamics in my home are about to change. The conure is rather opinionated about being the center of attention. And my CAG has been feather picking since morning sickness set in and I was much less interactive (now morning sickness is done, but CAG is still picking). He seems to respond to any little change in routine and I know things are going to change a lot come Sept. FYI, clean bill of health from vet.

I realize this is way in advance, but I figure I should start thinking about it now instead of waiting until the baby is born. This isn't a question about Quaffle's feather picking, either, it's more a question about easing the transition and keeping everyone as happy as possible. Thanks!

[mmr]

First don't get stressed over them meeting because they will pick up on your stress!

I would start carring around a baby doll, talk to it etc. SO they get used to "something baby". Also down load off the internet a baby crying and periodically play it so they get used to the crying.

Congrats by the way!

[lrose]

Thanks!

I'm not sure it'll be much fun to listen to a baby crying plus conure screeching, but I guess I better get used to it!

[mmr]

Originally Posted by lrose

Thanks!

I'm not sure it'll be much fun to listen to a baby crying plus conure screeching, but I guess I better get used to it!

bet your sweet prego belly you better get used to it!!!!

Wait till the baby is older and you possible have 2 kids (like me) and they are teasing, fighting, screaming...then you add a loud mouth macaw into ti telling my boys to "shut up", "quit it", "F off" (yes he learned that one at his old house), then just starts screaming because his verbal commands weren't being listened to by my boys. Once he starts screaming then my U2 starts in as well. So now you have 2 little boys screaming and fighting (physically) and a macaw screaming, a U2 screaming, and then hubby screaming because everone else is screaming!

Good lord no wonder I drink!

[Lisa B]

I'll make sure someone who has just gone through this is aware of your post, and see if she can give you some advice....

[Tx mommy]

I've read some threads about how Ag's really get into the baby. He may think he's the new doting father and is worried cuz its taking too long - Not really sure. I know from having dogs that once the baby is born you should have someone bring home the blanket that smells like the baby for them to check out - might help Good Luck and again Congratulations.

[Eliza]

Congratulations

Originally Posted by mmr

I would start carring around a baby doll, talk to it etc. SO they get used to "something baby". Also down load off the internet a baby crying and periodically play it so they get used to the crying.

Definitely -- I was just talking to someone who told me about a client who bought a Baby Bjorn and a baby doll while his wife was expecting. He wore it around off and on during the pregnancy and let the conure interact with the doll. Worked out really well, from what she said

[becca623]

Congrats on the new baby! I, too, worry how having a child would affect my feathered babies. Non-bird people think I'm crazy but I think it's important. Kudos to you for planning in advance!!!

[DynamitePsycho]

Originally Posted by Lisa B

I'll make sure someone who has just gone through this is aware of your post, and see if she can give you some advice....

Haha...very true Lisa!

Anyways, congratulations on your expectancy! I just had a baby boy 7 weeks ago. I have a pair of 'keets and a CAG. The 'keets didn't seem bothered by the coming of Cayden. Ziggy loved the fact that my belly made a sweet perch (I can post that pic when I get home).

As far as baby coming home. Expect your AG (I can't speak for the conure) to want a lot of attention. Ziggy became VERY mischevious and teenager/rebel like when he realized he wasn't the baby anymore. For the first three weeks, Ziggy became aggressive and annoying (I am sure he was stressed out about our whole family cycling in those weeks to come visit as well).

Once we figured out what Ziggy was trying to do (get the attention diverted to him and not the baby) we realized what we needed to do. Since he was misbehaving, we went back to basics to remind him who were the "top birds" (basic commands, follwoing a routine, etc). Now that he's more or less settled with the idea that Cayden is a part of the flock, we've started to introduce them. Dan will hold Ziggy while I am nursing Cayden. Ziggy has become VERY interested in the baby (he's also picked up Cayden's sounds, so when I am in the kitchen, he likes to make them to get me to come out and check up on Cayden...silly bird).

Ziggy still thinks he's attention starved, despite Dan spending time with him more than ever. But, I always said Ziggy was momma's boy. Try to have a specific time every day alloted to your fids (like when baby is laid down for the night). It will be tough...I know I wanted to sleep all day every day for the first two weeks.

Good luck with your pregnancy, I sure hope it's without complications and you are blessed with a happy and healthy baby in September. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me!